"Unique Perspective Makes the Story"
Mark Haddon creates a magnificent novel employing the voice of a teenaged boy who has Asperger's Syndrome. One is carried through the plot through the stilted and quirky thoughts of one who does not think in the same ways as other people do. Skillful narration completes the package. Credit worthy, unless you like shoot-em-ups!
"Rich and engaging, with flawless narration"
The substance of the classic Jane Eyre is well established, and this character has enthralled readers for almost two hundred years. I can add little to the comments of readers who have read and studied the novel in far greater depth than I. I will add, however, that Susan Ericksen's narration was nothing short of splendid. In her most expressive rendition, I could hear Jane's youthful impertinence, her growing wisdom, and her passionate love. Desperation, strength of character, and fear issued with equal credibility from Susan Ericksen's voice.
"Outstanding"
After listening to the book, I was so impressed that I purchased the hard cover so that I could refer back to it repeatedly, and I have. I have used many of the exercises for enhancing willpower, and I can imagine that sitting through Dr. McGonigal's actual course at Stanford would be even more engaging. Well-researched and thoroughly documented.
"Hideous sound effects"
If you dislike sound effects, stay away. These are the worst ever.
Perhaps Patterson thinks that a powerful villain in a position of power is enticing. Not. Imagine Lt. Calley of the My Lai Massacre were promoted rather than court martialed, and you would have this plot.
"Alex Cross is losing me"
First, Michael Kramer's narration was exceedingly offputting, breathless(literally). I've never in all my Audible experience heard such pronounced breathing sounds, which for some reason the sound editors decided was appropriate. The first paragraph almost caused me to quit this one.
Nevertheless, I stuck it out. Alex Cross seemed impotent in this installment of the series. Can't solve the crimes. Can't stay focused on his personal loss. Can't keep himself from muttering under his breath in an effort to build suspense. It just didn't work very well, James Patterson.
"Too much hype in marketing left me disappointed"
Yes, this was a beautifully written novel. I did find myself enjoying some of the characters deeply. On the other hand, Richard Burton and the Hollywood hangers-on left me completely flat. Edoardo Ballerini as narrator was the highlight.
Author Jess Walter has a gift for intertwining disparate characters in different decades and different continents, but unless the next novel is free of household names (behaving badly), I won't be back.
"My worst use of a credit ever."
First, I hate abridged books, and I overlooked that significant word when I purchased. It jumps from action scene to action scene without letting any feelings for the characters develop or any sense of curiosity to build. Second, the sound effects were terribly annoying in this book. I didn't have any audio difficulties that other readers mentioned, but the background music and whispering voices signifying thoughts were someone's very bad idea. The fact that the book was abridged probably added to that nuisance factor, as the sound effects in audio books typically accompany the most dramatic scenes, which of course are the only ones to be found in an abridged version. I would have given zero stars for performance had I had the option, and for the story I would have given a question mark. Story development just isn't adequate in abridged books.
"Yes. Credit-worthy Western Mystery"
Craig Johnson creates believable characters and George Guidall brings them to life. I'm reading the series in order and have enjoyed each one. It's not the serious part of my reading life, but an enjoyable part to be sure.
"A Comic moment was the Highlight"
Other reviews have said most of what needs to be said. For those who are long term Reacher fans who have also read Harlan Coban's Reacher- wannabe novel, Lee Child includes one very minor character who will make you laugh out loud. Sadly that was the highlight of this Reacher novel for me.
"Disappointing"
Admittedly I read a lot in this field, so finding much that is new and useful might be tougher for me. I do wish that the appendices were available as a PDF with the download.